Who is the Messiah? by Dr. David Hocking

Mr. Hocking has been
preaching and teaching
for 40 years. David
has pastored churches
in Ohio and Southern
California, and has
been teaching on
the radio since 1970.

When it comes down to understanding God, the Bible, and how to be saved or have eternal life, or be in heaven forever – the issue is the MESSIAH! The Bible warns us that there will be many who say they are the Messiah, and they will deceive many people. There are many beliefs among the religions of the world as to the true identity of the Messiah. It can be very confusing. We have chosen to focus on what the Bible teaches on this matter.

The Gospel of John (in the Bible) records several miracles that Jesus did. In John 20:30-31, we read these important words about the Messiah:

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”

Peter (one of the disciples of Jesus) said in Acts 4:12:

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Salvation is not the result of attending a church, synagogue, or mosque - or trying to be a good person. According to the Bible, salvation is found by believing that Jesus is the Messiah and the only One Who can save us from sin, death, and hell. The Hebrew prophet Isaiah quotes the Messiah in Isaiah 45:22-23:

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongues shall swear.”

These verses are quoted in the New Testament in Philippians 2:9-11:

“Wherefore God (the heavenly Father) also hath highly exalted Him (Jesus), and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus the Messiah is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

As you can clearly see, it is God’s purpose and plan to exalt His Son, our Savior, and that all should acknowledge that Jesus the Messiah is Lord!

The Bible presents in great detail the genealogy of the Messiah. After the global flood, Noah and his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, begin to repopulate the earth. His son, Shem (which means “name”), becomes the one through whom the Messiah will come. This line of Shem leads us to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob’s name was changed to “ISRAEL” and his fourth son by his wife, Leah, is named “JUDAH” and is the Jewish tribe through whom the Messiah will come (Genesis 49:10). The line of Judah brings us to a man named “Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1) and to his son “DAVID.” To this young shepherd, God promised a descendant who would bless the entire world. It was his son, Solomon, who built the Jewish Temple (destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC). His line was the royal line of Jewish kings that would bring us the Messiah. One of his future descendants was Joseph, the one who would marry a young Jewish virgin named “Miryam” (Mary) who became pregnant before he could marry her. The Bible teaches that the Messiah would be born from a virgin’s womb (Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23), and it even names the place where the Messiah would be born – Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6).

There is a fascinating prophecy in Malachi 3:1:

“Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, Whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Malachi writes AFTER the destruction of the Temple of Solomon by Babylon in 586 BC, so this prophecy cannot refer to that temple. Also, there has been no temple since 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple (built and restored by Herod the Great). The only time that the above passage could have been fulfilled was the time the Second Temple was still standing! The first “messenger” of Malachi 3:1 who will prepare the way of the Lord was John the Baptist. The second “Messenger of the covenant” is the Messiah Himself!

The Messiah would come into this world (the first time) to suffer and die for the sins of all humanity (Isaiah 53). The Bible teaches very clearly that Jesus not only died on that Roman cross for our sins, but that He arose from the dead on the third day after He died. Talk about incredible news! The Messiah is NOT dead – HE IS ALIVE!

After ascending back to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), He promised that He would come again (John 14:1-6). He is the hope of the entire world!

Here’s the problem: It is not enough to know these Biblical facts; according to the Bible, we must put our faith and trust in the Messiah Himself as our only hope of salvation and eternal life. Romans 10:13 says:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:17 adds:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”

Our faith is in the words of the Bible about the true identity of the Messiah. We encourage you to take out a moment of your time right now, and call upon the only One Who can save you! As we confess and repent of our sins, and believe that Jesus died and paid for our sins, and rose again from the dead, putting our trust and faith in Him alone, the Bible assures us that we will be saved!

Source: http://www.davidhocking.org/who-is-the-messiah.html

GFA - Suicide Stopped by Radio

Lakshmi just wanted to die. Her life no longer had purpose or enjoyment. 

She was also very sick. The treatments she went through were useless for curing her. And no amount of medicine could strengthen her weak heart or alleviate her pain. 

Filled with despair, Lakshmi decided to end her life. But at this crucial time, she happened to tune in to a Gospel for Asia radio broadcast. It felt as if the person speaking was able to meet her right where she was, and the truths he shared from the Scriptures comforted her heart. 

That day, Lakshmi began to see that her life could have meaning. As the Lord spoke to her heart, she received Christ as her Savior and committed her life to Him. And to her amazement, the Lord reached down and healed not only her spiritual heart, but her physical heart as well. 

Today in a South Indian village, a woman who was once planning her suicide is instead worshiping the living God. And it all started with the voice she heard on the radio. Please pray for her continued growth in the faith. 

Lakshmi’s life is one of thousands in Asia that are being transformed through GFA’s evangelistic radio broadcasts, aired daily in 92 languages. To learn more about this powerful tool and how YOU can reach precious men and women like Lakshmi through your gifts and prayers, please click here. 

"Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor"

C. H. SPURGEON

"Therefore, to you who believe, He [Jesus] is precious..." 1 Peter 2:7

If Jesus is precious to you, you will not be able to keep your good news to yourself; you will be whispering it into your child's ear; you will be telling it to your husband; you will be earnestly imparting it to your friend; without the charms of eloquence you will be more than eloquent; your heart will speak, and your eyes will flash as you talk of his sweet love. 

Every Christian here is either a missionary or an impostor. Recollect that. You either try to spread abroad the kingdom of Christ, or else you do not love him at all. It cannot be that there is a high appreciation of Jesus and a totally silent tongue about him. Of course I do not mean by that, that those who use the pen are silent: they are not. And those who help others to use the tongue, or spread that which others have written, are doing their part well: but that man who says, "I believe in Jesus," but does not think enough of Jesus ever to tell another about him, by mouth, or pen, or tract, is an impostor. 

You are either doing good, or you are not good yourself. If thou knowest Christ, thou art as one that has found honey; thou wilt call others to taste of it; thou art like the lepers who found the food which the Syrians had cast away [2 Kings 7]: thou wilt go to Samaria and tell the hungry crowd that thou hast found Jesus, and art anxious that they should find him too. Be wise in your generation, and speak of him in fitting ways and at fitting times, and so in every place proclaim the fact that Jesus is most precious to your soul.

Source: 

A Sermon and a Reminiscence 
A Short Sermon by C. H. SPURGEON. 
From the March 1873 Sword and Trowel http://www.spurgeon.org/s_and_t/srmn1873.htm

Women Missionaries

Did you know that over 50,000 female children are aborted every month in South Asia? Females are often the last to eat and the most likely to be illiterate. They’re the first to work as child laborers and sometimes even sold to become one of 1.2 million child prostitutes. As they grow they gain little respect.

They live in the most unreached parts of the world—places that have yet to hear the Gospel. And many women cannot be approached by men due to cultural customs, making their slim chance of hearing the Gospel even slimmer.

Women in Asia are the least likely to hear the Gospel but Gospel for Asia has a burden to reach them. You can help send a trained and dedicated woman missionary to share Christ’s love with women in Asia

Women missionaries are the perfect solution to reach other women

Each woman missionary already lives in Asia. In preparation for ministry, she has gone through three years of intensive ministry training.

These advantages make her ideal to reach women in Asia:

• She moves freely in areas restricted to outsiders or men and is accepted in good times and bad.
• She knows the cultural taboos instinctively.
• She has already mastered the language or a related dialect.
• She lives among the community, eating the same food, wearing the same clothes, and sharing the same cultural interests.
• She has a passion and burden to reach women in Asia.

Almost anyone can make a difference for women in Asia

It only takes $30 a month to help support a woman missionary to serve full-time to reach other women.

Through Bible studies, house visits, and the personal ministry of woman missionaries, thousands of women have found hope in Christ. But the need in Asia is great. Millions of women have still never heard the Good News. By sponsoring, you will allow women in the next village to be reached.

Pray about helping and visit:  http://www.gfa.org/women/

 
Did you know?

One hundred percent of what you give Gospel for Asia to sponsorship goes to the field.
As a member of the ECFA Gospel for Asia manages your gift with financial integrity.
Your donations are tax-deductible. Gospel for Asia is a recognized nonprofit by the IRS.

If you have supported Gospel for Asia by learning about their ministry by through this blog would you please let us know? You are making a difference!

Know God?

You may know of God, but do you really know God?
Yes, He loves you, but is there a relationship between you and God?

God tells us in His Word, the Bible, that He created the heavens and the earth. He made the plants and animals. He also made the first people, Adam and Eve. God wanted people to love and obey Him not out of complusion but out of a choice. But Adam and Eve disobeyed a command from their Creator. This disobedience is called sin.

The first man, Adam, rebelled against God's command and brought death, suffering, and separation from God into this world. We see the results all around us. All of us are Adam's descendants and we have been born with sin and have entered into this rebellion and sin. You were created by God and for God, but your sin separates you from God.

The Bible says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God. The Bible says "The wages of sin is death." but also that "God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

God does love you, and he demonstrated His love for you by sending His Son Jesus who died on the cross (the sinless Man) who paid the penalty of sin for everyone who trusts in Him. The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life". And He offers you a relationship with God because of what He did.

Christ died for our sins, was buried, and He rose again the third day from the dead. He was seen by the twelve apostles, and after that He was seen by over five hundred people at once. After that He was seen by his step-brother James, and He was seen by Paul also who formally persecuted the followers of Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father.

God reaches out in love and freely offers forgiveness of sin, a relationship, and the gift of eternal life if we receive Him as our Savior and Lord. Because Jesus is the Creator and the way to Heaven we can look forward to eternity with Him and be free from death, pain, sickness, and suffering one day. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."

Do it today, ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Savior and Lord. The Bible says "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name."

-Repent: Turn from sin and turn to Jesus (Acts 3:19)
-Believe: Trust in the finished work of Jesus (John 3:16-17)
-Receive: Invite Jesus to come into your life (John 1:12-13)

If you want a personal relationship with God and have your sins forgiven, here is a suggested prayer...

Lord, You have promised that if I will confess my sins, You will be faithful to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I want to turn from my sins, and live in a way that will please You. I thank you that Jesus Christ died on the cross, paying the price for my sins, and then rose from the dead. I accept Him now as my Savior, my Lord, and my friend. Thank you for giving me a new life in Christ. I surrender myself to you and thank you for loving me, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Remember the words are not important but the attitude of your heart as you repent and trust in Jesus.

Have you trusted in Christ because of what you read here?
If so, please send us an email, we would love to be praying for you. Send us an E-Mail.

Now visit our "Getting Started" page for some key steps in the right direction.

GO! "As you are going?" (Sent, Witness, Preach, Disciple)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

Stay? No. “Go therefore”: Because Jesus in charge and is all powerful, we are therefore commanded to go. It is His authority that sends us, His authority that guides us, and His authority that empowers us.

I’m no Greek scholar but Go is a command and it’s present tense which can be implied saying ‘as you go’ “Make disciples of all the nations”. "As you are going". It’s a lifestyle of living for Jesus, and more than being just a Sunday Christian. This is as we are going, so not just crusades, events, our outreaches but daily leading people to Jesus.

The command is to make disciples, not merely converts or supporters of a cause. The idea behind the word disciple is of a scholar, a learner, a student, a follower. “Of all the nations” (ethnos=ethnic, people groups, languages): There is no place on earth where the gospel of Jesus should not be preached, and were disciples should not be made.

“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you”: Disciples are made through teaching. This teaching is not with words only, but by the power of the God changing hearts and transforming lives. The content of the teaching must be all things that I have commanded you. The followers of Jesus are responsible to present the whole counsel of God, the whole Bible to make sound disciples.

“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age”: Do you see that Jesus sent His disciples with a mission to fulfill, but He did not send them alone? The promise of His constant presence was more than enough to strengthen and guide the disciples as they obeyed Jesus in making disciples of all the nations.

Our response: Either you become saved or not. You must be ‘born-again’ in order to even be a disciple of Jesus. When we become born again our old life is dead and buried, our new life is raised in Jesus. Then we follow Him.

Our role: We are to make a disciples. Not of ourselves but of Jesus. To teach, and instruct the people in the ways of God. We need the Word of God to be the people of God - by simply teaching the Bible simply.

GO! Who Is Called To Evangelize?

GO! Popping The Question

GO! Share Your Story

GO! Disciple Others

4 Great Co-missions for Believer's:

1) Sending Role

John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”

This is the continuity of Christ and His church, and we should support missionaries and be one.

2) Witnessing Role

Luke 24:46-49 & Acts 1:7-8 “Be my witnesses... in Jerusalem and Judea and to the ends of the earth”

This is progression and strategy, and we should testify what God has done in our life. Start at home work your way out from there.

3) Preaching Role

Mark 16:15-16 “Preach the gospel to all creation”

This is a universal scope to share the good news (1 Corth 15) with everyone. We should invite people to church and to have a relationship with Jesus.

4) Discipling Role

Matthew 28:18-20 “Go and make disciples of all nations”

Remember that this is of every ethnic group. We should invest time in others and teach them the Bible. I would encourage you to start a family Bible study and also to spend time with new believers.

Well, what has Jesus called you to do? Make disciples of Jesus. Charles Spurgeon said “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor”. Your mission field is in-front of you at all times.

"Go!"

Seek and save that which is lost and press on in Love,
Tim Molter, bondservant of Jesus

GO! A "word from God?" (God's Will for You)

"Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15

What are you doing for the Kingdom of God? Have you taken the Great Commission to heart? Have you gone into all the world to preach the Gospel to every creature? Or are you waiting for a "word from God?" Then here it is - "Go."

That's the first word of the Great Commission given to the Church (Mark 16:15). So, what are you waiting for? There's your word from God. Go somewhere; do something; say something to somebody somewhere, somehow.

Someday you will be dead, and then it will be too late. While you can ... think, speak, move your hands and feet, do something for God. Are you content to sit in the barracks while the battle rages? You are in a battle for the lost.

Form a platoon. Give out ice breakers (gospel tracts are for people not places) everywhere, leave them with someone, speak for your God. Don't be afraid of failure. Be afraid of silence.

GO! We Must Care About Lost People If We Are To Share The Gospel With Them


GO! Witnessing Is A Conversation Not A Presentation


GO! Tact Is Speaking The Truth In Love

"Go."

Seek and save that which is lost and press on in Love,
Tim Molter, bondservant of Jesus

Biblical Evangelism

What is Biblical evangelism? Is there a God-given evangelism tool that will enable you to confidently talk about the Savior? Does Biblical evangelism always proclaim the Law to the proud, and grace to the humble?

Let's first examine the Who, Why, What, When, Where, and How of the Biblical evangelism, and then we will come back and address these questions. Evangelism should be based on biblical principles as taught by the Bible.

Who: Every born-again believer of Jesus Christ is called to share the gospel and make disciples.

'And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"' Romans 10:15

"Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8

'So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."' John 20:21

"…Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33

Why: Because Jesus is your Lord and you want to obey him and you are concerned about the fate of those who don't know God and have not yet repented and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The correct perspective is not that we have to share our faith but that we get to share our faith. 

'"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.' Matthew 28:19-20

"Why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek". Romans 1:16

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” Hebrews 9:27

What: The gospel is the good news about having your sins forgiven and having a relationship with God for all of eternity. First share the bad news of how our sin separates us from God then share the good news. It is a simple message.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:15

“…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

When: As you go about in your daily life you are commanded to be a light and point people to Jesus all of the time. It's a lifestyle of inviting people to have a relationship with God with those you talk to each day.

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2

"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:16-18

“Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.” Jeremiah 20:9

Where: Anywhere you can share the gospel without bringing shame or disgrace to Christ and His church. If you use ice breakers or gospel tracts remember that they are for people not places, so don't leave them around but hand them out to people.

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." Matthew 4:23

"So they [the disciples] departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." Luke 9:6

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." Matthew 9:35

How: Speaking the truth in love, and following the examples of Evangelism found in the Bible. We seek to build a bridge and can start talking about everyday things and then swing to talk about spiritual things (John 4, Acts 17). The only way to become better at sharing our faith is by practice, practice, practice. Pray before and after you share with others also.

"And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34

"Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:14

"But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--" Ephesians 4:15

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 
 

Alright so now that we have looked at the Why, Who, What, When, Where, and How of the Biblical evangelism, lets answers those opening questions.

Is there a God-given evangelism tool that will enable you to confidently talk about the Savior?

While there is no exact cookie-cut formula, no one-size fits all way in sharing the gospel there are plenty of examples of how Jesus and His disciples shared the gospel which is "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (also check out the Gospel According to Jesus document, which is about How To Share The Gospel The Way Jesus Did!).

Having a right relationship with God begins with acknowledging your sin. “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:10). This repentance must be accompanied by faith. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Also appealing to the conscience is a powerful way to confirm the need for a Savior, however there is no one formula, program or method given by God. If you read you Bible you will find that Jesus never used the same method continually.

Should we use the Law or 10 Commandments?

While using the Law is a biblical approach and founded on scriptural principles if one uses it lawfully. But this tool is not required in every witnessing conversation. The Law is only needed when the unsaved don't think they have sinned against God or think they are good enough to get into Heaven based on their own standards. You will notice in the Bible that Jesus only goes through the commandments with the rich young ruler (who goes away very sorrowful), and doesn't do that with everyone (we too need to be like Jesus and not approach everyone using the same method). Yes the 10 commandments are very useful in witnessing but not required as the purpose of the law is to show us our sin, but not to lead us to righteousness.

When people deny they have sinned or that sin is not big deal that's when using the mirror of God’s law helps people see how much they need a Savor. If someone is ready to become a Christian they don' need the Law and all they need to do is place their faith or trust in Jesus that He died for their sins, was buried, and rose again. Once again, I'm not against using the 10 commandments when witnessing but suggest to only use this tool when it is needed in the conversation. And remember don't beat someone over the head with the law but use it as a mirror to show them their true state before God.

Does Biblical evangelism always proclaim the Law to the proud, and grace to the humble?
 
The basic concept that most people use for this is: Give the Law of the 10 Commandments to proud people, and Grace (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) to Humble people (Galatians 3:24). James 4:6 says "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Notice that it does not say "God gives the Law to the proud, But gives grace to the humble." No, it isn’t as if our humility earns the grace of God, but humility merely puts us in a position to receive the gift He freely gives. This is because only true repentance will lead to a person being humble and ready for grace (believe God, and it's accounted to you for righteousness, Galatians 3:6), but the Law (which was four hundred and thirty years later, Galatians 3:17) is not required (although it can be helpful if used lawfully, 1 Timothy 1:8). Once a person no longer is resisting God and are humble they are ready for grace.

Ultimately, we must leave salvation up to God. We are already born in and in rebellion against God, we need His grace which He give if we trust in Him (Psalm 18:27, Proverbs 3:34). Changing people on the inside is God’s work through His Holy Spirit (Jonah 2:9, Lamentations 3:26). It is God's power and grace that saves people, not our efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 3:7). If you are following a program then you have been programmed to always share the Gospel using that method. I urge you to stop and follow Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and work through you (remember you will have to give an account to the Lord, Romans 14:10-12, Matthew 12:36-37). God has called us to proclaim the message of salvation—the redeeming power and life-transforming message of Jesus’ death on the cross (Romans 5:8).

Seek and save that which is lost and press on in Love,

Tim Molter, bondservant of Jesus

P.S. Feel Free to also check out: http://www.calvarychapeltheology.com/livingwaters.html 

For more information on 'What is the biblical method of evangelism?', check out this article by Got Questions Ministry at: http://www.gotquestions.org/biblical-evangelism.html and remember to read your Bible (don't be deceived to follow a program but follow Jesus).

What We Need...

This is a powerful message the Church needs to hear. We as believers need to warn people that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus as their Lord and Savior, to repent with asking for forgiveness and trust in Jesus or the will be eternally separated from God.

Call to Action - "Every 15 Minutes" 2010‏

Hello Chico friends,

We have another chance to further the Gospel...March 31 & April 1, 2010 at PV High School

If you have not heard of the "Every 15 minutes" program it's a way to challenge students to not drink and drive. However we get to step up and also preach the Gospel and declare what is going to happen to them on the other side if they are not right with Jesus Christ...

On the campus they have a mock funeral service and also there is a student who pretends to be the "Grim Reaper"  tagging people and also there is a staged car accident on campus. There is a statistic that none of us can beat and that is that 10 out of 10 people die.

If there was ever a time to declare to the youth of this generation about God it is now. Please pray about coming to the campus sidewalk with me and other Christians in Chico to hand out Gospel tracts, pocket Bibles, and pray with students while declaring them the truth about whats going to happens to them when they flat line one day.

About the program: http://www.every15minutes.com/aboutus/

--Laguna Hills High School (Laguna Hills, CA) Feb 20, 2010 12:02AM

The use of Gospel tracts

Joey Hancock of the American Tract Society said, "Fifty-three percent of all who come to Christ worldwide come through the use of printed gospel literature."


Billy Graham said of Gospel tracts: "Nothing surpasses a tract for sowing the seed of the Good News." 

Charles Spurgeon said, "When preaching and private tale are not available, you need to have a tract ready...get good striking tracts, or none at all. But a touching gospel tract may be the seed of eternal life. Therefore, do not go out without your tracts." 

Dr. Oswald J. Smith said, "The only way to carry out the Great Commission will be by the means of the printed page." * Remember that ice breakers or gospel tracts are for people not places.

It has been said that nothing cost less, goes farther, lasts longer or says it better than ice breakers (gospel tracts are for people not places). Regardless of your spiritual maturity or experience in sharing the gospel, ice breakers (gospel tracts are for people not places) is an indispensable helper.

Any person can do it. We cannot all preach; we cannot all conduct meetings; but we can all select useful ice breakers (gospel tracts are for people not places) and then hand them out to others.

For example this last month here are a few places I've passed out tracts at:
 * Warrens Drive Thru Lube - gave a smart card tract to Jeff a mechanic.
 * Teriyaki House - left a tract in the tip jar for staff.
 * Super Cuts - gave a tract to Miguel there and a nice tip for him.  
 * Burrito wagon off Eaton and Esplanade - gave a tract for a lady there.

 * Chico Pet Works - gave a Gospel of John tract for Melisa and a very nice tip.
 * Super bowl game party - gave tracts and gave a 10 commandment coins

 * Mangrove Veterinary Hospital - gave tracts to staff
 * Work - gave 10 commandment coins to 3 coworkers, 2 for their birthday.

Here are my suggestions for developing an effective tract ministry.

1. Pray.
You cannot win anyone to Christ, neither can a tract. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

2. Engage your audience
This can be done by making eye contact, with a simple smile, asking questions or listening carefully to what is said.

3. Use top-quality tracts.
Invest in the best ice breakers (gospel tracts are for people not places) available. 

4. Get organized.
Place ice breakers (gospel tracts are for people not places) where they will be readily accessible for your use, like at work, in your car, in your backpack, in your wallet, in your pockets, or anywhere they will fit.

5. Give out an ice breaker (gospel tracts are for people not places) each day.
Never leave home without an ice breaker (gospel tracts are for people not places). You will be amazed as you see the Lord bless your efforts.

Check out "The Use of Tracts" by R. A. Torrey (http://www.biblebelievers.com/Torrey3.html)

* Remember that ice breakers or gospel tracts are for people not places.

"Excuse me sir, are you saved? If you died tonight, are you going to heaven?" ~ Frank Jenner of George Street

Mailbox full of Junk Mail?

The #1 reason I get from people who are reluctant to be a witness for Jesus is this: “I just can’t get out the house (or office).” So here is a way to witness without going out to witness...

Take the junk mail that fills up your mailbox and use the postage paid envelope to send a tract. Grab your favorite Gospel tracts, say a million dollar bill or something.

   Then tuck the tract neatly into the envelope…confident in the fact that the postage has already been paid. And if the recipient will only repent and trust in the Savior, his sins will be paid for as well. Pray for the recipient also.

Telemarketers, give them the Gospel

So, I got to talk to a telemarketer named Kevin about the eternal things and asked him “When you die, what do you think is on the other side?" He's not sure what happens when people die. I was able to him about how Jesus fulfilled so many prophecies such as Micah 5:2 > born in Bethlehem, Zechariah 9 > sold for 30 pieces of silver, and Psalm 22 > He was pierced in His hands and feet.

He had been watching the History channel and been thinking about these things, but considered himself to be more of an agnostic (this is someone who knows that there is a God but consider Him unknowable). I was able to let him know that that 10 out of 10 people die and that if he wanted to find the truth he could find it in the Bible. He was very thankful for me to share what I believe and for standing up for it.


The #1 reason I get from people who are reluctant to be a witness for Jesus is this: “I just can’t get out the house (or office).” So here is a way to witness without going out to witness...

Next time one of those pesky telemarketers call during dinner time, resist the urge to hang-up. This is a great opportunity for those of you who are a bit shy about sharing your faith, give them the Gospel.
   Here are a few guidelines to help you when witnessing to telemarketers:

   * Always be polite. We want to be good examples of redeemed humanity.

   * Ask them before they start their pitch if you can ask them some questions after you will hear them out (they always say yes). It’s very important that you ask them  before they try to sell you on something or they will hang up on you when you share your faith and ask the eternal questions.

   * Start right in with, “When you die, what do you think is on the other side?" or "Would you consider yourself a 'good person'?" You’ll know what to say from there. (visit WayOfTheMaster.com for helpful witnessing tips)

   * Make it short and sweet. Don’t anger them by taking up all their time. Remember they have a job to do.

   * Thank them for listening, then listen to their pitch and decline graciously if you are not interested. After this pleasant experience, they might actually want to talk to a Christian face to face!

It's not as hard as you think, so be ready for your next telemarketer.

Witnessing to Telemarketers (http://www.wayofthemasterminute.com/asxfiles/02-22.asx)

Cal State Chico - Origin Into Schools

Looks like we made the list (Cal State Chico #69):

This is the follow up to "An amazing opportunity - Darwin's "Origin of Species" 150th Anniversary!"


Buy the Book today for $4.99

This special 308-page edition not only contains the full Origin of Species but also has a 50-page Introduction that reveals the dangerous fruit of evolution, Hitler's undeniable connections to the theory, Darwin's racism, and his disdain for women. It counters the claim that creationists are "anti-science" by citing numerous scientists who believed that God created the universe -- scientists such as Einstein, Newton, Copernicus, Bacon, Faraday, Pasteur, and Kepler.

It has many original graphics and (as it says on the back cover) is designed for use in schools, colleges, and prestigious learning institutions. The back cover lists the above information as well as saying the book contains "Information on Intelligent Design vs Evolution."

"It is mainly its power to simulate the illusion of design that makes Darwin's big idea seem threatening to a certain kind of mind. The same power constitutes the most formidable barrier to understanding it. People are naturally incredulous that anything so simple could explain so much. To a naive observer of the wondrous complexity of life, it just must have been intelligently designed." Richard Dawkins

Motorcyclists at Chico toy run get Gospel Tracts

 

There were about 500 bikers gathered in the parking lot with toys the annual toy run. While they were waiting for the start of the run, most of the motorcyclists walked around checking out each others bikes and telling  stories.

Many of the motorcycles were parked in a long line across the parking lot and most were either in line for refreshments, in line for the restroom, or in line with their bike for the toy run. So it became easy to go from person to person handing them a Gospel tract, and talk to them.


I handed out about 50 DVDs of "The Big Question" and about 200 of "Are You a Good Person?" Gospel Tracts. God gave me the boldness to leave my lukewarmness and comfort zone in my car and step right into His zone. What a day, God gave me the privilege to be there and talk to many people who desperately need to hear the truth.

One man after I asked him what happens when people die, told me he's for sure gonna be riding on his Harley in the clouds with his friends. Another told me that he would be in Hell partying it up with his friends, even after I had told him it didn't have to be that way, he said that Hell didn't concern him.

There were several small conversations with people, but I really enjoyed how God let me end the day. I was given a great big huge from a guy there with crosses on his leather from Calvary Chapel Paradise, who thanked me for being out there and for sharing the Good News with people.

Even the two men at the event who where dressed up as santa claus in the front of the pack received tracts. Someone even took a photo of me handing santa a tract. I'll be honest, I was really scared, and so full of fear walking up to them and wanted to give up several times, but kept going. I thank God for allowing me to be there and to strengthen me to be bold in the midst of leather wearing bikers.


I didn't care that some were smoking, chewing, or even rolling their own cigs, but only cared about their eternity. And to think I was just going to stay at home because I didn't feel like going downtown because it was cold. What a lame excuse that was, but thankfully I repented. We shall see one day what the Lord does with the seeds planted. Be bold for the Lord because people are listening.

Origin of Species - Origin Into Schools Project - California State University, Chico

Students at a Southern California college get a free copy of On the Origin of Species.

On November 18th of 2009, we gave away 1,000 copies of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species (with a very special introduction) at California State University - Chico (100 other top U.S. universities also gave them to students, 175,000 copies). This is the entire publication (304-pages). Nothing has been removed from Darwin’s original work.

As usual with reprints of On the Origin of Species (there have been over 140 reprints), there is a 50 page Gospel Introduction. In one day, nation-wide 175,000 future doctors, lawyers and politicians freely got information about Intelligent Design (and the Gospel) placed directly into their hands!

Here is a link to view the 50 page introduction which contains the Gospel message (based on the tract Why Christianity? Solving Life's Most Important Question) - http://assets.livingwaters.com/pdf/OriginofSpecies.pdf

This was such a busy day on campus, the Gideons where there passing out free Bibles, mormons were there with a booth, and the "Turn or Burn" sign people where there on campus also. God was trying to get people's attention on this day. We distanced ourselves from all these groups, handed out thousands of Gospel tracts (even the mormons got some) and even witnessed to the "Turn or Burn" sign people telling them they were leaving out Gods grace, and His love from there preaching. (they may be on our local tv, :-( khsl was there)

For more information on the Origin of Species - Origin Into Schools Project please visit: www.livingwaters.com

For what the news had to say about this nation-wide event please check out:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=116413

Watch the Origin Into Schools video:

The On the Origin of Species was given out on the 18th, not the 19th as originally planned. Our strategy changed when we heard that atheists and students had threatened "unilateral resistance," book burnings, protests, and had also threatened to rip out the Introduction. Our agenda was simply to get the books into the hands of the students, without creating a disturbance at universities.

A new blog for Chico

Just decided to create a separate blog for the Gospel for Chico Facebook effort. This makes it easier for people to follow the group effort without having to go through Facebook. Feel free to subscribe to both blogs!

We've also been praying about other ways to reach Chico for Christ and researching these ways. If anyone has experience with these and can provide insight on their effectiveness please let me know. Some things we are considering:

* Open Air revival at the park
* standing on a street corner with a cross
* setting up a table at a our local farmers market on Saturdays
* purchasing a billboard to proclaim the Gospel
* finding a place within Chico to do Project Ezra.

To read other entries in the Gospel for Chico effort please visit the following sites:

* http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52427599468 [Gospel for Chico on Facebook]
* http://2believe.net [2Believe Ministries]